Music: Detective Into Dean

Dr. Sigmund Spaeth (“Doctor” because he wrote a thesis on Milton’s Knowledge of Music) advertises himself as “writer, broadcaster, lecturer, composer, arranger, general showman and entertainer.” But he is best known as “The Tune Detective,” points out in books and on the radio the similarity between I’m Always Chasing Rainbows and Chopin’s Fantaisie Impromptu, who can detect in Yes, We Have No Bananas elements of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean, I Dreamt That I Dwelt in Marble Halls and Seeing Nellie Home.

Tune Detective Sigmund Spaeth last week became the possessor of a new job and title when executives of Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., convening in French Lick, Ind., announced his appointment as dean of the Wurlitzer School of Music. The school has 100 studios in the East, teaches 25,000 students, mainly of high-school age, how to play Wurlitzer instruments. About half study the accordion. Next favorite is the saxophone. Students start out on a simple course costing about $1.25 a week, including use of the instrument. Well-advertised Dean Spaeth will have charge of all schools, plans to tour them soon with Accordionist Charles Magnanti.